Rail Journeys of New Zealand & Australia Cruise

An opportunity to cruise to New
Zealand aboard Celebrity Solstice,
cruise around New Zealand and visit
the spectacular beauty of Milford
Sound. Experience the thrill of
travelling by rail on the Northern
Explorer train from Auckland to
Wellington. Ride on The Coastal Pacific
from Wellington to Christchurch
and journey on the TranzAlpine from
Christchurch through to Arthurs Pass
National Park. As well as enjoying rail
experiences at ports of call.

Celebrity Solstice

Since Celebrity Solstice joined the
Celebrity fleet, she has dazzled and
amazed even the most well-travelled
cruisers. She showcases spectacular
vistas with 85per cent of all staterooms
having sweeping balcony views.
Celebrity Solstice hosts a variety of
five-star speciality restaurants, including
Murano, a French restaurant, the Tuscan
Grill, Silk, an Asian restaurant and
Qsine, a dining venue with a unique and
playful approach to familiar dishes from
around the world. Add the fresh green
grass on the top deck’s Lawn Club and
the incredibly pampering services in
AquaSpa, and you may never want to
set foot on land again. Celebrity Solstice
offers a truly luxurious cruise experience.

Philip Brady

Philip Brady is no stranger to New Zealand! His mother
was born in Dunedin …he loves trains. He will be the
perfect escort to show you the highlights of his favourite
destinations with the added bonus of a luxury cruise.
Philip is celebrating 60 years in TV and radio. He co-hosts
the top rating Nightline on Melbourne’s 3AW and has a
long and happy association with Travelrite as a celebrity
tour leader. All aboard for the adventure of a lifetime!

DAY 1 Thursday January 31, 2019 Departure
This afternoon, board the Celebrity Solstice on this fantastic Rail and Cruise Journey of New Zealand. Be up on deck as we cruise Sydney Harbour and out through Sydney Heads.

DAY 2 Friday February 1, 2019 At sea
Our first day at sea, this is the perfect opportunity for you to explore and enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship. This afternoon Phil Brady will give a talk about his life in the media starting with his time at Channel 9 from 1958 with Graham Kennedy on In Melbourne Tonight to today!

DAY 3 Saturday February 2, 2019 Melbourne
This morning we arrive in the port of Melbourne, where we travel by luxury coach to the Dandenong Ranges to take a journey on Puffing Billy. This century-old steam train travels from Belgrave Station through to Gembrook, with a post-preservation history spanning over 50 years, the line is one of the most popular steam heritage railways in the world. The line was originally opened in 1900 to serve the local farming and timber community and originally ran from Upper Ferntree Gully station. In 1955 the Puffing Billy Preservation Society was formed to keep the train running indefinitely.

DAY 4 Sunday February 3, 2019 At sea
A day at sea to explore and enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship. This afternoon Phil Brady will give a talk about the glory days of Hollywood.

DAY 5 Monday February 4, 2019 At sea
A day at sea to enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship. This afternoon Phil Brady will run a fun session of trivia.

DAY 6 Tuesday February 5, 2019 Fiordland National Park
Today we cruise through some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand as we visit Milford Sound followed by Doubtful and Dusky Sounds. The fiords will be a highlight of the cruise, with spectacular scenery and fascinating wildlife. Nothing can prepare you for the majesty of Milford Sound, star of Fiordland National Park. New vistas mesmerise at each turn – towering Mitre Peak, rising 1692 metres above the Sound, plunging waterfalls, bottlenose and dusky dolphins, fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins are amongst this wonderland of outstanding natural beauty.

DAY 7 Wednesday February 6, 2019 Dunedin
Departing from Dunedin’s beautiful railway station, our train begins its scenic journey into some of New Zealand’s ever-changing, most spectacular and iconic scenery on its journey to Pukerangi, a peaceful outcrop out the other side of the Taieri Gorge. The train travels through the Southern parts of Dunedin city until it arrives at Wingatui junction, where it turns off onto the Taieri branch. From here the train sneaks across the Taieri Plains and climbs into the Taieri Gorge, a narrow and deep gorge carved out over aeons by the ancient Taieri River. The train will stop or slow down at various scenic points along the way for photos where we can disembark and stretch our legs and enjoy the best of beauty, peace and quiet that nature has to offer.

DAY 8 Thursday February 7, 2019 Akaroa
Today we arrive in to the tender port of Akaroa, and board an Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise. This award-winning cruise is packed with highlights including the rare NZ native dolphin, the Hectors dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. You will also see the giant volcanic sea cliffs. We then travel to The Giants House, a historic house with original art works, terraced gardens with sculptures and mosaics. This house was the first bank manager’s house in Akaroa, built in 1880.

DAY 9 Friday February 8, 2019 Wellington
Arriving in Wellington this morning, we travel to the suburb of Silverstream in the Hutt Valley, to visit the Silver Stream Railway. The beginnings of Silver Stream Railway were in 1967 when the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society (which changed its name to Silver Stream Railway Incorporated in 1983) began a collection of locomotives and rolling stock. Track laying on the old formation of the Hutt Valley Line did not begin until 1977. The collection of locomotives and rolling stock had previously been stored at a site by the Gracefield Branch in Seaview, and this was transferred to the present Silverstream site in 1984. The official opening of the full 1.5 kilometre track took place on 15 February 1986.

DAY 10 Saturday February 9, 2019 At sea
A day at sea to explore and enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship.

DAY 11 Sunday February 10, 2019 Bay of Islands
Today we arrive in the spectacular Bay of Islands, one of the most historic area’s in New Zealand dotted with 150 scenic islands. We will have a sightseeing tour to Waitangi, where the Treaty between settlers and Maori’s was signed in 1840. We then travel on the famous Bay of Islands Vintage Railway, which operates on part of the former Opua track and offers train rides through the scenic Northland countryside.

DAY 12 Monday February 11, 2019 Tauranga
This morning we arrive in Tauranga, a harbourside city in the Bay of Plenty region on New Zealand’s North Island. Today we will enjoy a magical rail experience. We first travel inland to Mamaku, past Lake Rotorua, and board our own self-drive Rail Cruiser to travel through the beautiful Dansey Road Scenic Reserve, on the steep 1:35 gradient railway between Mamaku and Tarukenga. We then see the famous geysers and volcanic activity of Rotorua.

DAY 13 Tuesday February 12, 2019 Auckland
After breakfast we will disembark the ship. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of gorgeous Auckland, the largest city and commercial centre of New Zealand. Our morning tour takes in the main sights of the city, including the Harbour Bridge, which spans the beautiful Waitemata Harbour.

DAY 14 Wednesday February 13, 2019 Auckland
Today we travel to Waiuku to experience the golden era of “steam age” train travel at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway operating through picturesque rural countryside over 7.4 km of the former New Zealand Railways (NZR). The Glenbrook Vintage Railway owns and operates a number of historic and valuable heritage locomotives both steam and diesel, from the smallest locomotive, a 3 ton diesel shunter, to the giant 110 ton JA 1250 “Diana” steam locomotive. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

DAY 15 Thursday February 14, 2019 Wellington
This morning we board the Northern Explorer train for our journey to Wellington. The train service is a scenic rail journey through the five unique geographical regions of the North Island. We travel from Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, through the central heartland of the Northern Island. Along the way, we enjoy the farming landscapes and rocky sea scapes of the lower North Island and ascend through stunning river gorges to the volcanic plateau passing the majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu, the home of the North Island ski fields. Upon arrival in Wellington, we are transferred to our hotel.

DAY 16 Friday February 15, 2019 Wellington
This morning we will have a sightseeing tour of the main sights of Wellington, including the Houses of Parliament known as “the Beehive”. We visit Mount Victoria, where we have 360 degree views of the city, then travel by cable car to the Botanical Gardens. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing.

DAY 17 Saturday February 16, 2019 Christchurch
This morning we are transferred to the ferry port for a short journey across Cook Strait to Picton, here we board The Coastal Pacific train to Christchurch. Travelling via Kaikoura, the home of whale watching and then onto the gateway to the beautiful Marlborough Sound with the famous wine growing region of Blenheim. The journey takes us through some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas of the Canterbury Plains to the rugged Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of our train, the Pacific Ocean coastline on the other with views of marine wildlife such as seals and penguins all from the comfort of our carriage. Arriving into the South Island’s largest city Christchurch, we are transferred to our hotel where we spend the next two nights. Note: Should The Coastal Pacific train not be operating on this day we will replace this day with a flight from Wellington to Christchurch.

DAY 18 Sunday February 17, 2019 Christchurch
On our excursion today we travel on one of the most scenic train journeys in New Zealand – the TranzAlpine Express Train. From Christchurch we cross the flat Canterbury Plains to the small community of Darfield. We continue through beautiful alpine scenery as we enter the Arthur’s Pass National Park. Marvel at the alpine scenery as we sit back and enjoy the commentary and an included lunch on board the train.

DAY 19 Monday February 18, 2019 Departure
This morning we will be transferred to the airport for the flights to Australia.

Cabin

Cabin Category

Deck

Twin Fare

Single Fare

10

Inside

8 9

$6,525

$9,999

9

Inside

9 10 11

$6,585

$10,125

2C

Deluxe Balcony

6

$7,295

$11,480

2A

Deluxe Balcony

7

$7,495

$11,865

1C

Deluxe Balcony

8

$7,495

$11,865

1B

Deluxe Balcony

8 9

$7,540

$11,965

1A

Deluxe Balcony

6 7 8 9

$7,585

$12,050

SV

Deluxe Balcony

6 7 8

$7,895

$12,660

C3

Concierge Balcony

9 10

$7,750

$12,375

C2

Concierge Balcony

9,10,12

$7,780

$12,435

A2

Concierge Balcony

11

$7,950

$12,760

A1

Aqua Balcony

11

$8,050

$13,125

Included port and handling charges and ship gratuities

$273

$546

Included air taxes as at 1/1/2018

$125

$125

INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE

Travel on Celebrity Solstice in the selected cabin category

All meals, entertainment and service charges on Celebrity Solstice

First-class rail travel as listed in the itinerary

2 nights’ accommodation including breakfasts in Christchurch

2 nights’ accommodation including breakfasts in Wellington

2 nights’ accommodation including breakfasts in Auckland

Sightseeing tours as listed in the itinerary

Entry to museums and attractions as detailed in itinerary

Tour leadership by Philip Brady

Tour management by Travelrite International Pty. Ltd

A Travelrite travel bag

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Passport and visa fees

Travel insurance

Meals unless specified in the itinerary

Sightseeing and general expenses unless specified in the itinerary

Additional travel arrangements not in the detailed itinerary; these
will be quoted for separately

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.

Tour Costs:
The tour costs are based on general
transport, accommodation costs and foreign exchange
rate at 1/1/18. Travelrite reserves the right to alter
the costs if any of these factors change, giving any
passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with
full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements.
No alterations to price will be made within 90 days of
departure from Australia.

Deposits and Payments:
A deposit of $900 per
passenger for is required at the time of booking. Full
payment will be required 90 days before departure for
the tour. A 1.5% administration fee will be charged on
payment by Visa or Mastercard and 3% on payment by
AMEX or Diners Club cards.

Cancellation Conditions:
Cancellations within 90 days
of departure will result in the loss of all monies paid.
Cancellation outside 90 days from departure will result
in a cancellation fee of $900 per person.

Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is recommended to
cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death
in family, etc.

Minimum Tour Numbers and Conditions:
The tour
has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of
passengers having booked 90 days prior to departure.
Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving
a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements
to proceed with the tour at a modified cost. Travelrite
reserves the right to change advertised entrances and/
or substitute the tour host, if necessary for the smooth
operation of the tour.

Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements that do
not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing,
accommodation, meals or other services not utilised
after the tour has commenced.

Travel Documents:
All passengers will require a valid
passport. Visas for countries visited are not required
for Australian passport holders. If you hold another
passport please check with Travelrite.

TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.

Responsibility:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ATAS
No A10538) is the tour organiser. Neither Nationwide
News Pty Limited nor any of its subsidiaries, nor any of
its newspapers have any involvement in the tour, and
have no liability of any kind to any person in relation
to the tour. Travelrite acts only as an agent in the
making of arrangements for hotels, transportation,
restaurants or any other service and do not assume any
liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss,
accident or delay to person or property due to an act of
negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant
company or person rendering any services included in
the tour, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities
are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness,
pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down,
quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism
or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility
is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays,
re-routing or acts of any government authority. The
passage contract between the carriers concerned,
when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between
the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or
the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any
tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be
found desirable or necessary for the convenience of
the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. This
contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of
the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must
be undertaken in the State of Victoria.

How to Book:
Bookings can be made by sending full
names and addresses of intending tour members with a
deposit of $900 for the tour.
Please send to:

Further information or a booking form can be
obtained by telephoning Travelrite International on
the following numbers:
Toll Free 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Fax: (03) 9836 8068
Email: balwyn@travelrite.com.au

About Travelrite International:
Travelrite International
Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established
travel company which has been marketing
throughout Australia for over 30 years. It has two
fully ATAS accredited (No. A10538) offices at Balwyn
and Heathmont. As such they directly represent the
major airlines of the world and all major domestic and
international hotel, tour and transport operators.
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of
the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.